Scarlets frustrated as Munster’s experience pays off again

Munster withstood a spirited comeback from Scarlets before emerging with their fourth successive pool win in this season’s Heineken Cup.

James Coughlan’s second-half try, scored while Johnathan Edwards was in the sin-bin, allied to four penalty goals from Ronan O’Gara, kept the province’s European challenge on track at Thomond Park.

Scarlets hit back with a converted try from replacement Ken Owens and had they been able to convert more of their chances, they may have had enough momentum in the final quarter to spring a surprise result. But Nigel Davies’ young side could not make use of their greater share of possession and streetwise Munster have now tightened their grip on pool one ahead of the two final rounds.